Senior Director of Animal Care

Pay

Annual salary range: $142,604.80 – $228,155.20. Starting pay is $142,604.80 and may extend up to the $185,380.00 midpoint of the range.

Schedule

Regular, full‑time (union: non‑represented).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• 12 vacation days and 12 sick‑leave days in the first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free zoo membership (includes admission and discounts after 90 days) plus 4 complimentary tickets per year and other discounts/perks
• Free staff parking
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

About the role

Woodland Park Zoo welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors each year, connecting people with wildlife and inspiring conservation action. The Senior Director of Animal Care leads the zoo’s animal‑care mission to “save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.”

Who You Are

• Team Leader with strong talent‑management, engagement, and motivation skills for a diverse team of managers
• Excellent Communicator, able to serve as spokesperson for media inquiries and national committees
• Advocate who develops policies prioritizing physical and psychological animal well‑being
• Innovator driving continuous‑improvement through partnerships, technology, and ethical population management
• Experienced in ensuring compliance with AZA, American Humane, and USDA regulations and accreditations

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate the Animal Care leadership team to provide world‑class care for diverse animal residents
• Strategically focus on Animal Care programs and partnerships aligned with the zoo’s mission and long‑range plan
• Serve as a visible, transparent, and accessible leader reflecting the zoo’s culture and values
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor staff members
• Develop and lead a high‑performing team by setting expectations and providing regular feedback
• Establish performance metrics and goals, conduct evaluations, and guide improvements
• Develop strategic plans for animal management, health, and welfare with measurable performance indicators
• Coordinate conservation work with AZA programs, emphasizing ethical population management beyond Species Survival Plans
• Lead innovation through partnerships and technology solutions for animal welfare, health care, and population sustainability
• Support animal plans for construction and remodeling, ensuring proper care, welfare, and population management
• Represent the zoo at national and international professional organizations, actively participating and leading AZA programs
• Collaborate with operational leaders for revenue‑generating animal experiences, emphasizing DEAI goals
• Design, track, and manage multiple projects—including construction—with focus on deadlines and measurable outcomes
• Develop and maintain an impartial Animal Management and Welfare Concern Process for addressing concerns
• Ensure compliance with animal‑related regulations, including AZA accreditation, American Humane certification, and USDA licensure
• Manage budgets for Animal Management, Health, and Welfare, handling expenses and revenues
• Engage in fundraising with the Development Department to advance the zoo’s mission
• Stay informed about scientific developments and foster research

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (B.A. or B.S.) degree in a liberal arts or life‑sciences related field from an accredited institution
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in zoo animal care, including animal health, welfare, or population sustainability programs
• Demonstrated success building partnerships with other zoos, animal providers, government agencies, local communities, academic partners, and others to develop and implement animal‑management initiatives
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and marshal resources throughout the organization to advance animal care and welfare goals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain one); applicants must live and work in Washington State
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a safe driving history

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of additional languages beyond English
• Experience with project‑tracking practices and software
• Research experience and a publication record in related fields
• Experience reviewing and managing complex grants
• Graduate degree in biology, zoology, geography, conservation sciences, or related fields (PhD, DVM, or Masters)
• Currently authorized to work in the US or meets criteria for an O‑1 Visa sponsorship